Rio Celeste Hike, Sloth & Waterfall Tour

• Animals
• Deals and Discounts
• Hiking
• Meals included
• Tours
• Walking
• Waterfalls

A tour of true discovery! If you’re up for the challenged, then join us on a group hiking tour through the rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park and witness the magic of Río Celeste, a unique turquoise coloured river and waterfall unlike anything you have ever seen! After your hiking trip, make a visit to Finca Verde, an organic farm and animal shelter where you can see the sloths, frogs, and more, before heading off to the breathtaking Llanos de Cortes Waterfall for a refreshing swim under the falls.

Your tour begins at your accommodation in Guanacaste, where your guide will pick you up from one of the many beaches and townships that make up the coastline, starting from Tamarindo all the way up to Playas del Coco and Liberia (full list of pick up spots are listed below). You’ll then make a stop for coffee and/or breakfast before making the three hour journey straight for Tenorio Volcano National Park, just north of Lake Arenal on the border of the Guanacaste and Alajuela province.

Upon arrival, your guide will take you through the entrance to begin your hiking trek of moderate difficulty. Walk through the rainforest, absorbing the wide variety of flora and fauna on offer, while being able to see the incredible Río Celeste (Celeste River) and one of Costa Rica’s most fascinating phenomenon. Río Celeste is unique in that it is fed by two rivers, each containing unique properties and minerals thanks to the nearby Tenorio Volcano. This gives Río Celeste a near divine shade of turquoise which really has to be seen to be believed. You will be able to see a magnificent waterfall before heading to a section where you can enjoy a swim in these remarkably blue waters! Sloths, monkeys and other wildlife are frequent to these parts so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!

After your hike and an excellent lunch at a local restaurant, you will then be taken to an organic farm and animal shelter for some of the local wildlife of this area. Here you will get to enjoy some of incredible tropical plants and a large variety of animals including birds, sloths, frogs, snakes, insects and many more animals that inhabit this farm.

Before the days end, we will transport you to the breathtaking Llanos de Cortés Waterfalls in Bagaces – one of the best waterfalls in all of Costa Rica for a swim! Take this time at your leisure to enjoy the warm waters of Llanos de Cortés or explore the area and marvel at the stunning waterfalls that attracts locals and tourist from all around.

Finally, rejoin your guide transport you back to your accommodation where your tour will conclude.

Rio Celeste River

Rio Celeste

Rio Celeste Waterfall

Finca Verde Frog

Finca Verde Sloth

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall

Llanos de Cortez Swim

Llanos de Cortez

The hiking part of this tour of a moderate level of difficulty and includes a moderate amount of walking (about a two hour hike). This tour is not suited for those with heart conditions, mobility problems or other serious medical conditions.

This tour operates rain or shine. Please not that on rare occasions, the turquoise colours of Río Celeste can turn brown after a heavy rainfall and the unique turquoise colours of the river and waterfall will disappear. Rain boots can be rented and ponchos can be bought at the park entrance if necessary. Please use reusable water bottles on this tour as we do not like to bring single use plastic into the national park. We have a large water container to refill reusable water bottles and can provide reusable bottles too if you don’t have one.

Pick ups are available from the following hotels, accommodation, and beaches: JW Marriott, Langosta/Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Play Conchal, Playa Flamingo, Potrero, RIU Hotels, Playa Ocotal, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama, Planet Hollywood, Andaz, Four Seasons, and Liberia Hotels, Condos, & Houses. Please state your accommodation when booking this tour. If your accommodation falls outside of the pick up area, then we will help arrange a pick up location where you can meet your driver/guide.

Private tours for groups are available on request – please use the contact form on our contact page to request a quote. Tour is subject to minimum numbers of 2 adult passengers – if numbers are not met, then you will be put on stand by until we can confirm or arrange an alternative date of departure.

Cancellations must be made a full 48 hours prior to the tour embarking, otherwise a penalty of 100% will be applied. Likewise there will also be a 100% penalty for no shows.

Additional information